The upcoming Korean film Assassins has dropped new posters and a teaser trailer, giving audiences a first look at the mystery thriller starring Yoo Hae-jin, Park Hae-il, and Lee Min-ho. The movie tells the story of three men from different backgrounds who work to uncover the truth behind a shocking shooting incident that changed South Korea’s history.
The film follows the investigation into the attempted assassination of the First Lady on August 15, 1974, during a Liberation Day ceremony. While the gunfire was meant for the president, the First Lady was shot and later died from her injuries. What makes this movie stand out is that it is reportedly the first film to dramatize this real-life case, exploring a true story that has never before been shown on screen.
Three Characters, Three Different Paths to the Truth
The movie brings together three main characters, each approaching the case from their own angle. Yoo Hae-jin plays Detective Cheol Gu, a senior police officer who was working security at the ceremony and witnessed the shocking event firsthand. He uses his sharp instincts and determination to dig into the facts of the incident.
Park Hae-il takes on the role of Jae Hwan, the head of a newspaper’s social affairs department. As a veteran journalist, he faces immense pressure from outside forces but continues to dig up unanswered questions surrounding the investigation. His character represents the media’s role in seeking truth during a difficult time.
Lee Min-ho steps away from his usual romantic roles to play Young Il, a rookie reporter for the Dongseong Ilbo newspaper. Coming from a wealthy family, Young Il chases truth and freedom. He witnesses the shooting at close range while covering the ceremony and becomes drawn deeper into the mystery as he works alongside his senior colleagues.
The three men come together in their search for answers, each using their unique skills and positions to uncover what really happened that day.
Teaser and Posters Build Anticipation
The recently released teaser trailer opens with a powerful shot of the assassin from behind, followed by a scene of him loading his gun. The sequence quickly moves to the chaos of the shooting, showing Jae Hwan watching it on a live broadcast, Young Il capturing the scene with his camera, and Cheol Gu left in shock.
The teaser gives viewers a taste of the tension and urgency that drives the story forward. As the chaotic aftermath unfolds, the three characters begin their separate journeys to find the truth.
Two posters have also been released to promote the film. The first poster shows the three main characters together in one frame, staring directly at the camera with determined expressions. The second poster prominently displays the question: “August 15, 1974, the first lady assassination attempt. Who was behind the incident?” This question suggests that there may be another truth hidden behind a historical event that everyone thought they already knew.
Director Hur Jin-ho’s Approach to a Sensitive Subject
Director Hur Jin-ho, known for films like “A Normal Family” and “The Last Princess,” has taken on the challenge of telling this difficult story. At a press conference in Seoul on August 10, Hur spoke about the responsibility he felt in making this film.
“It was not an easy story. Because it was a real-life tragedy and there are people involved who still survive, I thought deeply about how I should approach it. The top priority was to maintain a balanced and objective point of view that does not lean to any side.”
The director revealed that he had been thinking about making this film for more than a decade. To create an authentic feel, Hur chose to shoot in existing buildings and streets rather than building elaborate sets, helping to recreate the atmosphere of the 1970s.
Hur also made it clear that the three main characters are not based on specific real people. Instead, they are a combination of historical research and interviews, created to represent different perspectives on the events.
Star Cast Shares Their Experience
The three lead actors have expressed excitement about working together on this project. Yoo Hae-jin, who recently starred in the hit film “The King’s Warden” (2026), praised his co-stars during the press conference.
“I have always envied his gaze. Shooting this film, I felt that his gaze has grown deeper and continues to carry that energy of perseverance.”
Yoo also called Lee Min-ho a very “smart” actor who is clever in his everyday conversations. Park Hae-il, who previously worked with Hur on “The Last Princess” (2016), described the director’s approach to filming as “magic,” noting that using real locations helped the actors deliver more lively and realistic performances.
Lee Min-ho, who is known for his work in the acclaimed series “Pachinko” (2022-2024), shared that this project marked the first time he felt completely at ease while filming. At 39 years old, Lee mentioned that he is no longer the youngest person on set, showing his growth as an actor.
This film also marks a reunion for Yoo and Park, who previously worked together on the mystery thriller “Moss” (2010).
Strong Supporting Cast Adds Depth
Beyond the three leads, Assassins features an impressive lineup of supporting actors. The cast includes Bae Sung Woo, Uhm Ji Won, Park Ji Hwan, Park Hoon, Ryu Hye Young, Choi Yu Ri, Jang Ryul, Ryu Kyung Soo, Kim Dae Myung, Shim Eun Kyung, Park Hae Joon, Park Sung Hoon, Oh Jung Se, Shin Hyun Been, and Jung Woo Sung.
Kim Dae Myung plays Man Seop, adding another layer to the investigation. This diverse group of actors hints at a rich and compelling story with many different perspectives on the events of that day.
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Release Date and Festival Premiere
Assassins is scheduled to hit theaters in September 2026, during South Korea’s Chuseok holiday. Chuseok is often called the Korean Thanksgiving, making it a prime time for movie releases.
Before its theatrical release, the film will have its world premiere in the Gala Presentations section at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in September 2026. This marks a significant achievement for the production, as TIFF is one of the most respected film festivals in the world.
The film is being produced by Hive Media Corp., with a screenplay written by Kwon Ki Joon and Lee Ji Min.
Also Read:‘Assassins’ K-Movie Sets September 2026 Release After Unveiling New Posters
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